Former Acting High Commissioner to Canada Amb. Moni Manyange (2nd from right) with Ephraim Mwaura, chairman (3rd from right), David Feldman - secretary (4th from right), Abdi Mohamed- member (fifth from right) and other invited guests during Pamoja Canada Diaspora Sacco launch on June 1, 2024 in Toronto, Canada.Acting Kenya High Commissioner to Canada Geoffrey Kaituko has challenged Kenyans living abroad to play a bigger role in advancing the country's cultural diplomacy.
Kaituko on Tuesday said diaspora organisations are becoming increasingly important in promoting the country's image while supporting economic development.
Speaking in a message delivered on his behalf during the Salama Community Annual Summer Barbeque in Toronto, Kaituko said Kenyan community organisations abroad had become critical partners in preserving the country's cultural heritage, fostering unity and strengthening Kenya's identity overseas.
"The Kenya High Commission recognises the important role of the diaspora and remains fully committed to working closely with you in advancing Kenya's cultural diplomacy," Kaituko said.
"We greatly value the role played by diaspora organisations such as the Salama Community in preserving our cultural heritage, bringing Kenyans together, fostering unity and promoting a strong sense of identity among our citizens living abroad."
As diaspora institutions broaden their role beyond remittances into investment and financial inclusion, Kaituko said the mission was looking forward to strengthening its partnership with diaspora organisations through continued dialogue, cultural engagement and collaboration.
The remarks came as Pamoja Canada Diaspora Sacco unveiled Sharia-compliant financing products, highlighting how Kenyan diaspora organisations are increasingly combining community engagement with financial services aimed at supporting long-term wealth creation.
The sacco introduced interest-free emergency, education and asset finance products designed to enable members to finance education, professional development and acquire personal, residential and commercial assets in line with Islamic financial principles.
Pamoja Canada Diaspora Sacco chairman Ephraim Mwaura said the products were developed to ensure members of the Muslim community could participate fully in savings and investment activities without compromising their religious beliefs.
"Through these Sharia-compliant products, we want to create an environment in which members of the Muslim community can save, invest and access financing in a manner that respects their faith and financial principles," Mwaura said.
The cooperative, launched in 2024, says it is the first Kenyan diaspora Sacco in Canada to introduce Sharia-compliant financial products. About 10 per cent of its members are from the Muslim community.
Kaituko said the Kenyan diaspora remains one of the country's greatest national assets, noting that its contribution extends well beyond the billions of shillings sent home every year.
He said Kenyans in the diaspora continue to invest in businesses, support education and healthcare initiatives, mentor young people, transfer professional knowledge and skills, and participate in charitable and community development projects that complement Kenya's national development agenda.
The envoy also noted that through their professionalism and respect for the laws of their host countries, Kenyans abroad continue to build goodwill that creates opportunities for stronger cooperation between institutions, businesses and communities in Kenya and Canada.
